10 Dead After Texas Prison Bus Crashes Into A Train

By:

At least 10 people have died after a prison bus left Interstate 20 and crashed into a train just outside Odessa, Texas.

Eight inmates and two correctional officers were killed, Jason Clark, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said in a press release.

Clark added that five people — four inmates and one staff member — have been taken to a hospital.

The bus was transporting prisoners from Abilene to El Paso when it crashed just outside the West Texas city of Odessa. The Odessa American reports:

"Sgt. Elizabeth Barney with the Texas Department of Public Safety with DPS and Sheriff Donaldson said the bridge was icy when the bus drove over it, causing the bus to drive off the bridge. Donaldson said the bus struck the train in the middle of the train cars, at which point the train dragged the bus for a bit before coming to a stop."

"Their loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers," Brad Livingston, the department's executive director, said in a statement.

Update at 1:35 p.m. ET. Severe Injuries:

West Texas Public Radio's Tom Michael says a hospital spokesman tells him the injuries were severe.

He says the bus appears to have come off an embankment, not off an overpass as we reported earlier.

Tom says that the rail car that was hit by the bus was carrying UPS cargo, so at the moment UPS boxes are strewn all over the ground surrounding the railway.

Upcoming Events

Help Kansas Public Radio show listener appreciation in a cool way with FREE Hy-Vee ice cream and Alchemy iced coffee.

Stop by the Union Pacific Depot in Lawrence between 5 and 7 p.m., on Thursday, June 20, to meet some KPR personalities and mingle with fellow listeners. Enjoy extra family-friendly activities with face painting from Fairy Fox Design, a busker performance from Richard Renner and music from Retro Cocktail Hour host, Darrell Brogdon.

The first 200 KPR members will get their ice cream in a new KPR mug! You can also bring your own mug, which we'll be happy to fill ﻿(biodegradable cups also provided).

Description: Bring the whole family and spend quality time with your favorite farmyard friends. Presented by Stable T. Farms. Stable T Farms will be at the branch from 10:30am-12:30pm to ensure every family gets a visit. For all ages. Submitted by: Sheila Blue Springs North Branch - Mid-Continent Public Library

Description: Join us this Memorial Day for a family-friendly event that supports Family Promise of Lawrence, a nonprofit serving local families experiencing homelessness. This is a fast, certified course. First-time racers, joggers, walkers, strollers and dogs on leash are welcome. Medals will be awarded to age group finishers as well as overall and master's winners. All participants will receive a race T-shirt. Register by May 1 for $25; $30 after May 1. Teams of four or more receive $5 discount/person. Register at https://www.active.com/lawrence-ks/running/distance-running-races/5k-hom.... Music, bounce houses and other children's activities on-site. Submitted by: Kristin Montgomery Family Promise of Lawrence